just starting out… anything wrong with using unger products from homedepot? like professinal series t bar an squeegee and pole?
I dont think its a great idea. You should maybe try going to a janitorial store near you or even buying something form WCR. Most janitorial store carry unger products in my area. The same unger products sold here.
The blue colored Unger products from Home Depot are the Homeowner line. But I started out using them myself and did an excellent job with no streaks. However, the squeegee handle was not very comfortable in my hand.
The rubber in the squeegee is not professional grade. It’s pretty much useless.
dont be cheap, pull the trigger.
Window Cleaning Supplies also IPC Eagle Hydro Carts
what does evryone reccomdend for the best quality cleaning tools? what brand?
Ettore and Slayer.
Ettore is known for having great products. Heck if not for that guy we would all be using rags. If your money is tight you can use the depot stuff. It will get you by. I have some of their products in the truck. But the pro stuff is of a better design and more comfortable your wrist etc. It may not sound like a big issue. But do a few hundred french panes in a day and when you go home you’ll have a hard time cutting up a steak or holding a glass. But like I said the lower line stuff will get you by till you can move up to the pro line.
Not trying to discourage you but I would go for it (home depot) and see if you like it. Many have thought it was a great Idea and then after actually trying it, give it up. On the other hand you can get the good stuff and if you don’t like it at least you have some quality stuff for your own house.
no no i wanna take everyones advice and go for thegood stuff. its not that expensive and i beleive in what u pay is what u get … just havin a hard time figurin out which is the best quality brand???
Also look at it this way, the price difference between (Home Depot or Lowes) tools is not that huge compared to buying from WCR maybe a few bucks per tool, the bucket they sell at HD is around $19 with no lid, you can pick up one here for about the same price and also pick up a lid for $10 bucks or so more.
ettore!
+1
I used the products a lot because where I live there i 1 store 45 min away that really has nothing. I know the rubber is soft and Lowes uses Ettore basic cheap stuff. Many difficulties I had was due to soft or cheap rubber. The Lowes Ettore is way to flimsy try making a turn and the rubber folds over. I have since upgraded to big boy squeegees. What I like about the Depot Unger handles (light green plastic) are pretty cheap and can trim the blades to make great detailing channel. I liked the 16" until I found an 18" brass Unger. Big difference. Plus the pro series uses a spike type holder that holds the blade. I found that getting the spikes set just right to let you get a good even pull was not worth it. I wanted an extension pole from there but opted for the Teleplus and opti loc. The pole they offer is ok think 35 for 30’. I have a t-Bar and really no difference. The plastic and designs are the same but upgraded pad with a scrubber edge is nice. I was able to use a few of these products to give me an idea of what I really wanted to get. When I began purchasing professional grade I knew I wanted channels that wont slip, easy change out without having to slide a new handle on. Wanted end clips or something like a ninja. A pivot handle is a must. Try doing uppers. You can angle the blade to get the top and corners. Slip is ok both Unger and the Ettore. I tried them but since I have used Gleam 3/4 and Super Slip I will not use dish soap or basic slip again. They sell a rectangle bucket now. I got it to fit my 18" scrim and doubles for my flat mop pads. For 20, can’t beat it.
Take my advice and call WCR. Tell them what you have in mind and what you want to do. They will inform you to make a good buying decision. Check out the videos from WCR and members. You can actually see the product being put to use and ask questions or get details that a description and pictures won’t give you. I made many dumb purchases and wish I knew about and used this site’s knowledge before i bought them.
If you go WFP and on a budget [U]call them first![/U] If you want to know why I will explain the error of my ways.
I have to admit my favorite tool, I bought the Home Depot Unger plastic green handle squeegee and cut the channel about 1/8" larger than the handle. This is my dry line detailer. Before I got the hang of fanning I would use this for a quick left, top, right edge and pull. No wiping corners and edges and great to Touch up the bottom edge, corners, and swipe the sill off. Saves my good rubber from being damaged by sharp edges, sand, brick. No need for all those paper towels and rags. Yeah, you will learn and save a lot.
If what you can afford is home depot stuff, then get it to get going.
BUT understand that it iis NOT as robust as the PRO quality stuff.
I’d recommend going to ace (maybe homedepote has this i don’t know) and get a BRASS squeegee handle.
You can wrap it with what ever type of tape for comfort.
AND you will still have it when you up grade cuz these dont break!!!
pax
The Unger poles sold at Home Depot work just as well as any other poles or there (unless you want swivel tips and fancy)
But why pay $10-15 more for an 8’ Ettore pole pay and wait for the shipping.
I wouldn’t use any of the other products Home Depot has to offer for window cleaner, but the Unger extension poles are what I use currently. In the past I’ve used the Ettore poles and the only thing you’re paying for is brand name and the look.
You can always buy your Joy/dawn soap at Home Depot, I wouldn’t recommend any ‘specialized’ glass cleaners either
I’m using Unger poles myself. Nothing at all wrong with em.
I use home de pote short poles also.
I am glad to hear your thoughts on ettore poles prowin, cuz i was thinking about buying one foe storefronts, but may rethink that now
While Dawn and Joy is O.K…Go with ecover. Better results with less detailing. But… Everyone has their own preference. I also don’t recomend "specialized " glass cleaners.
pax
I’m an Unger guy myself. Maybe it’s German in me.
Unger, Ettore, Pulex, Wagtail, Slayer, Ledger - I Have 'em all.
I love my Unger 0 degree. No one, IMO, makes a better 0 degree. I like Ettore rubber the best (with Pulex being a close second). Pulex makes great sleeves. Unger makes the best swiveling scrubber IMO because you can adjust the tension.
Unger’s S channels are cool 'cause they click into place so you don’t have to center them by sight.
Try it all out in good time, that way you’ll know that you have what works best for you. How can you knock a product you’ve never tried.
